Chelsea set to meet striker’s release clause

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is set to give the green light to a bid for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa this month, according to the Metro.

Costa has been on fine form this season notching 23 goals in 23 games for title chasing Atletico, taking over the mantle from departed star Radamel Falcao who moves to Monaco in the summer.

The Brazilian-born striker who is now eligible to play for Spain has a £32million release clause in his current contract in the Spanish capital and Chelsea are now willing to meet that.

Chelsea ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois may be used as part of the deal though with Atletico keen to keep the Belgian stopper after three consecutive loan spells.

Mourinho is keen to make one more big deal this month and a striker is the main worry now with Fernando Torres struggling for fitness and Demba Ba failing to get much of a look-in leaving Samuel Eto’o as the lone forward.